Aquatics - Animal Care Specialist (Seasonal)

Brookfieldzoo; Brookfield (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a renowned institution dedicated to animal care and conservation! As an Aquatics Animal Care Specialist, you will play a vital role in maintaining the welfare of the animals at Brookfield Zoo. This seasonal position involves cleaning enclosures, preparing food, and observing animal behavior to ensure their health and safety. You'll also engage with guests, enhancing their experience while promoting wildlife appreciation. If you're passionate about animals and conservation, and are ready for a physically demanding role that requires reliability and good communication skills, this opportunity is perfect for you. Embrace the chance to work in a dynamic environment where your contributions will make a difference!

Qualifications

• High school graduate or GED required, with animal behavior understanding.
• Must be at least 18 years old and reliable.

Responsibilities

• Clean animal enclosures and prepare food as directed.
• Observe animals and report on their health and behavior.

Skills

Animal Behavior Understanding

Interpersonal Skills

Emergency Response

Communication Skills

Cultural Proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's Degree in Biological Field

Tools

SCUBA Certification

Valid Driver’s License

Job description

Aquatics - Animal Care Specialist (Seasonal)

Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America Req #107

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Join the PRIDE!

Since our opening in 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world, including the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world’s longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins.

BASIC FUNCTION :

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by providing general high-quality care for the welfare of the collection and performing related work of maintaining buildings, grounds, and interpretives in assigned area under close supervision. Informs, assists, and directs guests as necessary to provide a great guest experience.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• *Cleans animal enclosures, pools, and service areas as assigned.
• *Prepares and distributes food as directed.
• *Observes assigned animals closely, routinely, and objectively reports to supervisor on their behavior, health, and welfare. Observes condition of assigned area(s), animal enclosures, and equipment. Keeps animal records as assigned.
• *Performs routines of assigned areas and specialized procedures as directed.
• *Communicates with and assists guests. Takes initiative to facilitate guests’ appreciation of animals and enjoyment of their zoo visit.
• *Demonstrates knowledge of and implements BZC-wide and area emergency procedures as directed.
• *Monitors and cleans public space(s), plants, and interpretives as assigned. Reports maintenance needs timely. Performs minor maintenance tasks as assigned.
• *Monitors visitors to ensure animal and human safety and protection of park property.
• *Studies specific reference materials about animals in assigned area. Reads other zoological and husbandry texts as assigned.
• Other related duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS :

• High school graduate or GED equivalent required.
• Must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and ability to work with live animals safely.
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
• Good interpersonal and communications skills. Must be able to interact in a courteous and professional manner.
• Knowledge of natural history, zoology, or animal husbandry preferred.
• Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Must be reliable.
• Must be able to learn and integrate information, knowledge, and direction quickly.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Cultural proficiency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• For Marine Aquatic Animal Care Specialist positions, SCUBA Certification is required upon hire.
• Valid driver’s license required.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or college coursework in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and experience preferred.
• Minimum six months animal care facility, farm, kennel, or equivalent animal experience preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This is a temporary position with rotating shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.

Animal Care Specialists are frequently subjected to potential hazards that include direct contact with or close proximity to live animals. Animal Care Specialists positions are physically demanding, and employees may be subjected to a variety of physical demands and environmental factors and exposures. May be required to undergo physical examinations, including vaccinations, inoculations, blood tests, or other such testing or procedures as may be required by law or deemed reasonably necessary.

If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the BZC Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at brookfieldzoo.org/careers . Please look for requisition number 107.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days each year. Work schedules vary with each position. This position may require the ability to work a non-traditional schedule on-site that may include holidays, weekends, mornings and/or evenings.

The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, American Humane, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.